Key Takeaways
- Houston Tents & Events partnered with the University of Houston School of Art to launch a student design contest.
- UH students were invited to submit original t-shirt designs for a real branded product.
- Brissa Garcia was selected as the winner and awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
- HTE leadership met with Brissa at the Blaffer Art Museum on the UH campus to celebrate the collaboration.
- This initiative is part of an ongoing relationship between HTE and the University of Houston, led by UH alumnus and CEO Darren Randle.
Houston Tents & Events and the University of Houston share more than a city. They share a commitment to developing local talent. Moreover, they share a belief in investing in the next generation of Houston professionals.
Earlier this year, that relationship produced something tangible. HTE launched a student art contest. It gave UH artists a real platform, a real brand, and a real reward.
A Relationship Built Over Time
This contest did not happen in isolation. It grew from an ongoing connection between HTE and UH. Darren Randle, CEO and UH alumnus, has led that relationship for years.
HTE earned a spot on the UH Cougar 100 three consecutive years in a row. In 2026, the company ranked No. 27 among the fastest-growing businesses led by UH alumni. That recognition reflects both growth and continued ties to the university.
Furthermore, HTE has supported UH students through previous scholarship initiatives and campus partnerships. The student art contest builds directly on that foundation. Consequently, this contest is not a one-off. It is part of something larger.
The Contest: Designing for a Real Brand
UH art students received an invitation to submit original designs for a seasonal HTE t-shirt. The brief gave students creative flexibility. Additionally, it introduced them to the real-world process of designing for an established company.
Students brought their own interpretation of Houston’s culture and energy to the project. After a submission period, HTE reviewed all entries internally. Then, one design stood above the rest.
Brissa Garcia: The Winning Artist
Brissa Garcia submitted the winning design. She is a University of Houston art student. Her work captured the spirit of Houston with bold color, layered detail, and strong graphic energy. Specifically, the design translated naturally onto a branded product.
HTE awarded Brissa a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of her work. Subsequently, HTE leadership met with her at the Blaffer Art Museum on the UH campus. They presented the scholarship, celebrated the collaboration, and captured content highlighting her design.
The finished shirt speaks for itself.
Why This Matters
For HTE, this contest is about more than a t-shirt. It is about staying connected to the Houston community. Additionally, it is about investing in the people who will shape its creative future.
Working directly with students brings fresh perspectives into the brand. It also reinforces something HTE has always believed. Specifically, the best partnerships create real value for everyone involved.
For Brissa and the students who participated, the contest offered something rare. It provided a real client, a real brief, and a real outcome. Most classroom projects cannot offer that.
Looking Ahead
The UH Student Art Contest is one of several ways HTE continues to deepen its relationship with the University of Houston. As those partnerships grow, the focus stays the same. HTE will support students, create opportunities, and stay rooted in the Houston community.
To learn more about Houston Tents & Events, visit HoustonTents.com or call 713-346-2012.
FAQ
Houston Tents & Events partnered with the University of Houston School of Art to invite students to submit original designs for a branded company t-shirt. One winning design was selected and the student was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Brissa Garcia, a University of Houston art student, was selected as the winner. Her design was chosen for its creativity and its reflection of Houston’s culture and energy.
Brissa Garcia received a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of her winning design and her contribution to the project.
Houston Tents & Events CEO Darren Randle is a UH alumnus. The company has been named to the UH Cougar 100 three consecutive years and has supported UH students through scholarship initiatives and campus partnerships.
HTE leadership met with Brissa Garcia at the Blaffer Art Museum on the University of Houston campus to celebrate the collaboration and present the scholarship.
Josh Dupont is the Digital Marketing Manager at Houston Tents & Events with over 20 years of event experience. With a passion for creative strategy and local business growth, Josh oversees all digital marketing, SEO, and online content for the company. He specializes in helping Houston-area clients plan unforgettable events by connecting them with the best tent and event rental solutions. Josh is dedicated to elevating HTE’s online presence and making every customer experience seamless and memorable.
